Moss Gathering Heisman Hype

CORAL GABLES — Many things come to mind when you mention Santana Moss, the University of Miami's diminutive wide receiver and punt returner.

Some undoubtedly recall the great 67-yard comeback catch Moss turned into a touchdown in the Ohio State game.

Others might recall his 180 yards receiving against Florida State, the 67-yard punt return for a touchdown against Rutgers two weeks ago or the 61-yard punt return for a touchdown against Syracuse last week.

When Reggie Wayne, a fellow UM receiver, thinks of Moss, one thought comes to mind.

"When I think of him right now, as we speak, I think of Heisman Trophy candidate for next year," Wayne said.

Plenty would agree with Wayne's assessment.

Moss, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior from Carol City, is UM's version of Florida State's Peter Warrick or former Notre Dame receiver Tim Brown.

Moss has 47 receptions for 803 yards and six touchdowns this year.

His next reception will move him into the top 10 on UM's season list.

His receiving yardage puts him at No. 7 on the season list, and his punt return yardage (424) ranks second on the school's season list.

His 15.1-yard average on punt returns ranks ninth in the nation.

That's valuable in the Heisman race because performing well in the season before you make a serious run at the hardware is almost a necessity.

"Tim Brown won it at Notre Dame, and there's an awful lot of similarities between the contributions Tim had and what Santana is doing," UM coach Butch Davis said. "He made big plays, had great punt returns, kickoff returns. It's conceivable. He's had a season in which he's caught a lot of people's attention in a junior year.

"For you to get a lot of attention as a senior you have to have a good junior year."

Not only that, Moss, the man with the catchy name, has had big games on national television this year, something that should help him immeasurably in next year's Heisman race.

He has the hands, speed, route-running ability and charisma.

And he knows what to do when he gets the ball.

"Especially during a punt return, when I get the ball in my hands, I like to just get on and get jiggy," he said. "Just try to make people lose control."

"He's special," said UM offensive coordinator Larry Coker, who has coached some impressive players in his years at Oklahoma State and Ohio State.

"Some guys excite you in practice. Barry Sanders was like that. Thurman Thomas was like that. Eddie George was like that. He's one of those guys.

"You watch him in practice and you just go, `Wow.'"

All Moss seemingly needs to collect the Heisman Trophy is a good season for the team, and the expected good season he'll produce by being in UM's offense.

Moss said he isn't too concerned with Heisman Trophy talk. He's just worried about making plays.

"I just want to be the guy that goes out there and soon as my number is called, make the play I have to make," Moss said.

Coker talks to Tulsa

Coker confirmed he had an informal interview with Tulsa officials on Sunday. Coker said the interview went well but added he's unsure on Tulsa's timetable for hiring a coach.

Former coach Dave Rader was fired in October.

Coker is a former quarterbacks and running backs coach and offensive coordinator at Tulsa.

Temple game on TV

Saturday's regular-season finale against Temple that starts at noon will be televised by SportsChannel.